The three-year starting middle guard was a key part of the Elks defense. When opponents tried to run against Bach they averaged negative yardage. As a senior he tallied 124 tackles, nine sacks and 21 hurried pass attempts.
His greatest high school achievement: “When we were playing Springfield South. They were on the 4-yard line and I made four unbelievable plays to stop them. The coach at OSU (Woody Hayes) was there and he said he had never seen anything like it at the high school, collegiate or pro level.”
Lessons learned: “Bob Gregg and Woody Hayes were all about results. I can’t stand anyone who says ‘it can’t be done.’ Being able to visualize yourself doing something creates belief. Belief creates attitudes. Attitude creates feelings. Feelings create action and action creates results.”
Accomplishments: All-American; All-Ohio first team; Elks defense allowed only 27.9 yards per game during his senior year; played football at OSU.
Jason Griffith, ’99 grad
The three-sport athlete was a four-year starter in wrestling and baseball and a three-year starter in football. Griffith’s 11 varsity letters are the most ever earned by a Centerville athlete.
Being a three-sport athlete: “Each sport was special in its own way and I developed such good friendships as a result of each of them. I feel like I was a jack of all trades and master of none but I always thought there was a big benefit to constantly competing.”
Lessons learned: “I was fortunate enough to be coached by Bob Gregg, Tim Engleka and Rich Miller. Under them, I learned the value of hard work and I learned what it takes to reach your goals.”
Accomplishments: First team All-WOL in all three sports senior year; WOL Defensive Player of the Year in football.
Kristin Jumer, ’99 grad
She shattered three school records and earned All-Ohio honors eight times as a standout cross country and track runner. Jumer won state in the 1600 meters in 1999 with a time (4:53) that still ranks as the fourth fastest in state history.
The high school accomplishment she is most proud of: “Looking back on it, I’d have to say sticking with it and hanging in there. I had a fair amount of injuries over the years. But I also had really great teammates who always supported me.”
Being a hall of famer: “The first word that comes to mind is thankful. The school has done so much for me over the years, I feel like, maybe, I should be doing something for Centerville instead of them doing something for me.”
Accomplishments: State champion (1999) in 1,600 meters and 3,200 relay; eight-time All-Ohioan; All-American; set three school records.
Pat Thomas, ’85 grad
The four-year starting defensive tackle was all everything — all-conference, All-Ohio and All-American. Honors and accolades followed him to Ohio State University where he won the Woody Hayes Award and was named the Jack W. Stevenson Award as Lineman of the Year.
His most memorable high school accomplishment: “It was our game against Moeller my senior year on their home field. We upset a team that was No. 1 in the country. And the best part was that I was playing with all of my friends.”
Gridiron lessons that translated to the workplace: “Definitely my work ethic, I learned the importance of that at a young age and I still feel like I have it today. And I learned the importance of working as a team to improve outcomes.”
Accomplishments: Four-year high school starter, four-year letterman/two-year OSU defensive lineman.
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